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BAPTIST UNION OF TASMANIA 19 January 2012 PASTORS MANUAL
BAPTIST UNION OF TASMANIA 19 January 2012
PASTORS MANUAL
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Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3
2. Categories of Pastoral Leaders .......................................................................................... 3
3. Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL) .................................................................................... 3
3.1 Requirements for APL ....................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Process for APL (for those already ordained) ................................................................... 4
3.3 Application Form for APL .................................................................................................. 4
3.4 Removal from APL ............................................................................................................ 4
3.5 Ordination ......................................................................................................................... 4
3.5.1 Requirements for ordination ...................................................................................... 5
3.5.2 Process for ordination ............................................................................................... 5
3.5.3 Application form – Ordination and APL .......................................................................... 5
4. Recognised Pastoral Leaders (RPL).................................................................................. 6
4.1 Requirements for RPL ....................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Process for RPL ................................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Application Form for RPL .............................................................................................. 6
4.4 Removal from RPL ............................................................................................................ 7
5. Pastors in Training (PT) ..................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Requirements for PT ......................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Process for PT ................................................................................................................... 8
5.3 Application Form for PT ................................................................................................ 8
5.4 Removal from PT ............................................................................................................... 8
6. Interim Pastoral Leaders (IPL) ........................................................................................... 8
6.1 Requirements for IPL......................................................................................................... 9
6.2 Process for IPL .................................................................................................................. 9
6.3 Removal from IPL .............................................................................................................. 9
7. Retired Pastoral Leaders (RET) ....................................................................................... 10
7.1 Requirements for RET ..................................................................................................... 10
7.2 Process for RET .............................................................................................................. 10
7.3 Removal from RET .......................................................................................................... 10
8. Code of Ethics and Companion Guide ............................................................................. 11
9. Professional Development Plan Guidelines ..................................................................... 11
10. Marriage Celebrants Policy .............................................................................................. 11
10.1 Authorised celebrants .................................................................................................... 11
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10.2 Baptist Rites ............................................................................................................. 12
10.3 Prescribed wording Marriage Act 1961, Section 46 .............................................. 12
11. Pastoral Committee ....................................................................................................... 13
12. Tasmanian Baptist Pastors’ Association ....................................................................... 14
Application Form .................................................................................................................. 15
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1. Introduction
The Baptist Union of Tasmania (“the Union”) is building a team of Pastoral Leaders who, with God’s
empowering, are trained and competent to contribute to the local, regional and statewide efforts in
becoming a ‘mission-shaped movement’.
Tasmanian Pastoral leaders are to function, with God’s enabling, in an environment of mutual support
and accountability.
Legal realities require the Union designate our endorsed Pastoral Leaders within our movement.
Endorsed Pastoral Leaders have access to a wide range of services and resources provided by
the denomination and may be registered as a Baptist Marriage Celebrant. Churches whose Pastor
is an endorsed Pastoral Leader may have access to reduced premiums for some insurance cover
and may have greater protection at law in some instances.
2. Categories of Pastoral Leaders
The following groupings of Pastoral Leaders are endorsed by the Union:
Accredited Pastoral Leader (APL)
Recognised Pastoral Leader (RPL)
Pastors in Training (PT)
Interim Pastoral Leader (IPL)
Retired Pastoral Leader (RET)
3. Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL)
Accreditation denotes a pastoral leader who is recognised by the denomination and has been
ordained.
Accredited Pastoral Leaders shall be automatically registered as Marriage Celebrants by the
Administrator, unless they request otherwise.
3.1 Requirements for APL
Membership of the Accredited Pastoral Leaders list is open to those who:
have been ordained by the Union (see 3.4 below), or have been transferred from another
Baptist Union (or from another denomination once study and experience requirements have
been met to the satisfaction of the Pastoral Committee) with the endorsement of Union
Council or Assembly;
are serving in a pastoral appointment in a member church or Christian organisation
acceptable to Union Council or Assembly requiring a minimum equivalent of one day per
week;
are members of a Tasmanian Baptist Church;
affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union; and
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~ affirm and comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics, Professional Development Plan Guidelines, and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct.
3.2 Process for APL (for those already ordained)
The applicant shall obtain the Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Manual from the Dayspring office or website and address any questions to the Dayspring office or a Regional Minister.
If the applicant is already ordained, he/she shall complete the Application Form and send to the
Dayspring office with all required documentation, marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL’.
The Dayspring office shall acknowledge receipt of the application and shall pass it on to the chairperson of the Pastoral Committee.
The Pastoral Committee shall determine how to process the application. An interview of the
candidate and spouse with members of the Committee shall be required.
Pastoral Committee shall present its recommendation to Council (having informed the Mission
Leadership Team).
Council shall make a decision and advise the candidate, Pastoral Committee and Assembly.
If successful, the applicant shall be acknowledged as an Accredited Pastoral Leader at the next suitable
Assembly, as determined by MLT and Council.
3.3 Application Form for APL
The Application Form for APL is contained in pages 1519 of this Manual and copies are available in
Word format on the Union’s website.
3.4 Removal from APL
Accredited Pastoral Leaders shall be removed from the APL list when they:
~ conclude ministry in a Tasmanian Baptist Church or recognised organisation; or ~ cease
to affirm the Doctrinal Basis; or ~ fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and this Pastors’
Manual; or
~ die.
Removal of a person from any of the categories of Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken
by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person
being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains
the authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a
recommendation from the Pastoral Committee.
3.5 Ordination
Some Pastoral Leaders may complete studies that meet ordination requirements without having been a
Pastor in Training.
Ordination is recognition by the denomination that a pastoral leader’s call to ministry has been
adequately tested through study and supervision and can thus be affirmed.
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Upon ordination, a pastoral leader is automatically added to the Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL) list.
3.5.1 Requirements for ordination
Ordination by the Union is available for pastors serving in member churches or approved
Christian ministry who meet the following requirements. A candidate for ordination shall
normally be a Recognised Pastoral Leader (RPL) or a Pastor in Training (PT) at the time of
making application.
For a person to be ordained, the following training is normally required as a minimum:
Successful completion of a three year full time (or its equivalent) course of study at an
institution recognised and approved by the Union.
The course of study shall:
~ contain a residential component of at least six months (at the discretion of the Pastoral Committee),
~ studies in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History and Ministry,
~ a substantial component of Baptist distinctives, and.
~ a component of supervised pastoral education of at least six months.
The Pastoral Committee shall take into account recognised prior learning and experience. 3.5.2
Process for ordination
The applicant shall obtain a copy of the Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Manual from the Dayspring office or website and address any questions to the Dayspring office or a Regional Minister.
The applicant shall complete the Application Form for Ordination (see below) and send to the
Dayspring office with all required documentation, marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL’.
The Dayspring office shall acknowledge receipt of the application and shall pass it on to the
chairperson of the Pastoral Committee.
The Pastoral Committee shall determine how to process the application. An interview of the
candidate and spouse with members of the Committee shall be required.
The Pastoral Committee shall present its recommendation to Council (having informed the Mission
Leadership Team).
Council shall make a decision and advise the candidate, Pastoral Committee and Assembly.
If successful, the applicant shall be ordained at the next suitable Assembly, as determined by MLT
and Council.
3.5.3 Application form – Ordination and APL
The Application Form for Ordination and APL is contained on pages 1519 of this manual, and copies are available in Word format on the Union’s website.
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4. Recognised Pastoral Leaders (RPL)
Recognition denotes a pastoral leader who is compliant with the basic requirements to be
registered as a Pastoral Leader amongst Tasmanian Baptist Churches.
Recognition is not automatic to those appointed as pastor of a Baptist Church or to pastors from
other states. Recognised Pastoral Leaders shall be automatically registered as Marriage
Celebrants by the Administrator, unless they request otherwise.
4.1 Requirements for RPL
Membership of the Recognised Pastoral Leaders list is open to those who:
~ have been serving in Australia or New Zealand for a minimum of twelve months in a pastoral
appointment in a Baptist church or Christian organisation acceptable to Council requiring a
minimum equivalent of one day per week;
~ are members of a Tasmanian Baptist
Church; ~ affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the
Union; and
~ affirm and comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics, Professional Development Plan Guidelines and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct.
Council shall have discretion to consider recommendations from Pastoral Committee regarding applications from pastors from other nationalities. Normally Pastoral Leaders from other
denominations shall serve the twelve month period in a Baptist pastorate before being
recognised.
4.2 Process for RPL
The applicant shall obtain the Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Manual from the Dayspring office or
website and address any questions to the Dayspring office or a Regional Minister;
The applicant shall complete the Application Form and send to the Dayspring office with all required
documentation, marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL’;
The Dayspring office shall acknowledge receipt of the application and shall pass it on to the
chairperson of the Pastoral Committee;
The Pastoral Committee shall determine how to process the application. An interview of the
candidate and spouse with members of the Pastoral Committee shall be required;
Pastoral Committee shall present its recommendation to Council (having informed the Mission
Leadership Team);
Council shall make a decision and advise the candidate, Pastoral Committee and Assembly; and
If successful, the applicant shall be acknowledged as a Recognised Pastoral Leader at the next
suitable Assembly, as determined by MLT and Council.
4.3 Application Form for RPL
The Application Form is contained in pages 1519 of this Manual and copies are available in Word
format on the Union’s website.
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4.4 Removal from RPL
Recognised Pastoral Leaders shall be removed from the RPL list when they:
conclude ministry in a Tasmanian Baptist Church or recognised organisation;
cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis;
fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and this Pastors’ Manual; or
die.
Removal of a person from any of the categories of Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken
by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person
being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains
the authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a
recommendation from the Pastoral Committee.
5. Pastors in Training (PT)
Potential Pastoral Leaders may apply to be recognised as Pastors in Training, leading to
ordination. Ordination is recognition by the denomination that a pastoral leader’s call to
ministry has been adequately tested through study and supervision and can thus be affirmed.
A Pastor in Training is under the supervision of the Pastoral Committee and is accountable to it
until s/he is ordained. Upon ordination a pastoral leader is automatically added to the
Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL) list.
5.1 Requirements for PT
A Pastor in Training shall be a member of a Tasmanian Baptist Church.
A Pastor in Training shall be willing to undertake theological study as determined by the Pastoral
Committee.
Pastoral Committee shall normally require study at an Australian Baptist college (or equivalent) at
Degree or Advanced Diploma level.
Study undertaken shall be sufficient to meet ordination requirements:
Successful completion of a three year full time (or its equivalent) course of study at an
institution recognised and approved by the Union.
The course of study shall contain:
a residential component of at least six months (at the discretion of the Pastoral Committee),
studies in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History and Ministry,
a substantial component of Baptist distinctives, and
a component of supervised pastoral education of at least six months.
The Pastoral Committee shall take into account recognised prior learning and experience in
determining the study to be undertaken.
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The Pastor in Training shall provide to the Pastoral Committee each year a copy of all academic results, supervised field education reports and any other relevant reports.
5.2 Process for PT
The applicant shall obtain the Tasmanian Baptist Pastors Manual from the Dayspring office or
website and address any questions to the Dayspring office or a Regional Minister;
The applicant shall complete the Application Form with the appropriate details and send to the
Dayspring office with all required documentation, marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL’;
The Dayspring office shall acknowledge receipt of the application and shall pass it on to the
chairperson of the Pastoral Committee.
The Pastoral Committee shall determine how to process the application. An interview of the
candidate and spouse with members of the Committee shall be required.
Pastoral Committee shall present its recommendation to Assembly via Council (having informed the
Mission Leadership Team).
Assembly shall make a decision and advise the candidate.
If successful, the applicant shall be acknowledged as a Pastor in Training at the next suitable Assembly, as determined by MLT and Council.
5.3 Application Form for PT
The Application Form for PT is contained in pages 1519 of this Manual and is also available in Word
format on the Union’s website.
5.4 Removal from PT
A Pastor in Training shall be removed from the PT list when they:
~ a r e o r d a i n e d ;
~ conclude ministry in a Tasmanian Baptist Church or recognised organisation; ~
cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union;
~ fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and this Pastors’ Manual; or
~ d i e .
Removal of a person from any of the categories of Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken
by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person
being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains
the authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a
recommendation from the Pastoral Committee.
6. Interim Pastoral Leaders (IPL)
Interim Pastoral Leaders are pastors serving in Tasmanian Baptist Churches or an acceptable Christian
organisation for up to two years who are recognise or accredited by another Australian or New Zealand
Baptist Union.
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Interim Pastoral Leaders shall not normally be registered as Marriage Celebrants in Tasmania.
6.1 Requirements for IPL
Membership of the Interim Pastoral Leaders list is open to those who:
are accredited or recognised by another Australian or New Zealand Baptist Union;
are serving in an interim (or intentional interim) pastoral appointment in a member church or Christian organisation acceptable to Union Council or Assembly requiring a minimum equivalent of one day per week;
affirm the Doctrinal Basis of theUnion;
affirm and comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct; and
are compliant with the professional development requirements of their home state or comply with the Tasmanian Professional Development Plan Guidelines.
6.2 Process for IPL
Candidates may apply to the Pastoral Committee in writing stating that they:
are accredited or recognised by another Australian Baptist Union;
are serving in an interim (or intentional interim) pastoral appointment in a member church or Christian organisation acceptable to Union Council or Assembly requiring a minimum equivalent of one day per week;
affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union;
affirm and will comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct; and
are compliant with professional development requirements of their home state or will comply with the Tasmanian Professional Development Plan Guidelines.
The Pastoral Committee shall seek verification from both the home state Union and the local church before bringing a recommendation to Council via MLT, and informing the candidate of the decision.
6.3 Removal from IPL
Interim Pastoral Leaders shall be removed from the IPL list when they:
conclude ministry in a Tasmanian Baptist Church or recognised organisation,
cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Baptist Union of Tasmania,
fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and/or this Pastors’ Manual, or
die.
Removal of a person from any of the category of Interim Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken by Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person being removed shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains the
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authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a recommendation from the Pastoral Committee.
7. Retired Pastoral Leaders (RET)
Retired Pastoral Leaders are released from any obligation for continuing professional
development. They are eligible to conduct interim ministries and may be eligible to retain
registration as Baptist marriage celebrants.
Retired Pastoral Leaders shall not be included in Assembly Membership as defined in clause 8 b ii of the Constitution but are welcome to attend Assemblies as honoured Pastoral Leaders.
7.1 Requirements for RET
Membership of the Retired Pastoral Leaders list is open to those who:
were compliant with APL, RPL or IPL requirements for five continuous years immediately prior to
the time of their retirement from active pastoral (or interim pastoral) ministry;
affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union; and
affirm and comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, including the Code of Ethics and Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct.
The Pastoral Committee has discretion to consider names for the Retired Pastoral List who do not
strictly meet the requirements of 7.1.1 where special conditions apply.
7.2 Process for RET
Upon retirement from active pastoral ministry, members of the APL and RPL lists may apply in
writing to the Pastoral Committee to be placed on the Retired Pastoral Leaders list and (if they
so desire) to be kept as a registered Marriage Celebrant.
The Pastoral Committee shall make any investigations necessary before transferring the
candidate to the Retired Pastoral Leaders list and informing MLT, Council and the candidate.
The Pastoral Committee shall check that the number registered Baptist Marriage Celebrants in
Tasmania does not exceed the number of Baptist Churches in Tasmania before approving the retired
pastor remain on the registered list.
7.3 Removal from RET
Interim Pastoral Leaders shall be removed from the RET list if they:
cease to affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Union;
fail to comply with the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual and/or this Pastors’ Manual; or
die.
Removal of a person from any of the categories of Pastoral Leaders shall be undertaken by
Council, normally upon recommendation from the Pastoral Committee. The person being removed
shall be contacted in writing by Council wherever possible. Council retains the
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authority to remove any person from any category of Pastoral Leader without a recommendation from the Pastoral Committee.
8. Code of Ethics and Companion Guide See
the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, section 1.
9. Professional Development Plan Guidelines
See the Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, section 3.
10. Marriage Celebrants Policy
10.1 Authorised celebrants
Approved celebrants are authorised by the Commonwealth under the Baptist Union of Australia.
The Union must comply with the Marriage Act 1961, and government directives regarding the
appointment and supervision of marriage celebrants.
The Marriage Act 1961 (Commonwealth) (s. 30) defines a minister of religion as:
(a) a person recognized by a religious body or a religious organization as having
authority to solemnize marriages in accordance with the rites or customs of the body
or organization; or
(b) in relation to a religious body or a religious organization in respect of which
paragraph (a) is not applicable, a person nominated by:
(i) the head, or the governing authority, in a State or Territory, of that body or
organization; or
(ii) such other person or authority acting on behalf of that body or organization as is
prescribed; to be an authorized celebrant for the purposes of this Act.
In a letter from the AttorneyGeneral’s office to the Baptist Union of Tasmania dated 7 March,
2003 two other criteria were detailed. A marriage celebrant must be a resident of Australia,
and over the age of 21 years.
The Union shall only register as a marriage celebrant persons:
~ resident in Australia;
~ over the age of 21 years;
~ currently included on the Accredited Pastoral Leaders (APL), Recognised Pastoral Leaders (RPL) or Retired Pastoral Leaders (RET) lists of the Union; and
~ able to demonstrate that being a marriage celebrant would benefit their ministry
effectiveness.
The Union shall not normally register as marriage celebrants those on the Interim Pastoral
Leaders (IPL) list.
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Tasmanian Baptists shall inform celebrants of changes and reminders sent to the denomination from the Attorney General’s office.
10.2 Baptist Rites
Marriage celebrants registered by the Union shall conduct all marriage ceremonies in
accordance with the Marriage Act and Baptist Rites.
A statement made by Australian Baptist Ministries, 23 November 2011
“The Baptist Union of Australia defines marriage as being the union between a man
and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life. Authorized
celebrants with the Baptist Union of Australia are only able to solemnize marriages
according to Baptist Rites that conform to this definition.
Marriage Ceremonies according to the Rites of the Baptist Union of Australia are to include the following:
A statement of the Christian nature and purpose of marriage and the intent of the marriage ceremony
An acknowledgement that this is a Christian celebration of marriage being
conducted before God and those people who have gathered
Declarations or Statements of Intent
Personal Vows which are to be clear promises of commitment for life in which each takes the other to be their wife or husband
Pronouncement of marriage
Normally additional inclusions are:
Prayers
The reading of Scripture
An occasional address
Exchange of rings
Blessings or Affirmations by the parent or parents and or Giving of the Bride and or Groom
Benediction and or blessing”
10.3 Prescribed wording Marriage Act 1961, Section 46
Marriage celebrants registered by the Union shall conduct all marriage ceremonies in accordance with the Marriage Act and Baptist Rites.
The following words or words to that effect (see below) must be said by the celebrant prior to the
couple exchanging their vows.
“I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.
Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these
witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into
which you are now about to enter.
Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the
exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
The Act allows for “words to that effect” and acceptable variations include:
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The first sentence may be changed to
“I am legally registered to solemnise marriages according to the law.” or “I am the registered marriage celebrant authorised to solemnise this marriage according to the
law.”
In the second sentence:
“Solemn” may be replaced by “serious” or “formal”
“Binding” may be replaced by “permanent” “Nature’ may be replaced by “promise”
“Now about to enter” may be replaced by “formalising”; “sealing” or “binding”
The third sentence cannot be altered.
11. Pastoral Committee
The oversight of the pastoral affairs of the Union is entrusted to the Pastoral Committee consisting of
the Northern Regional Minister, and
six members appointed by Assembly on the recommendation of Council
The functions of the Committee are
to examine and recommend to Assembly for acceptance, candidates for ministerial training;
to be responsible for the support and guidance of accepted candidates during training;
to prepare and adopt, with the endorsement of Assembly, such procedures and regulations for training as may be found necessary6;
to recommend to Assembly for acceptance, candidates for ordination;
to receive and, as appropriate, provide information concerning ministers who may be available for pastoral appointment;
to assist and advise in the settlement of vacant pastorates, and to advise, when requested, on the appointment of a moderator;
to be available at the request of the State Director ABMS to advise potential candidates of ABMS; and
to review and approve for publication the accredited list.
Current members of the Committee are
The Northern Regional Minister (Rev Jeff McKinnon)
Mrs Janine O'Loughlin
Mrs Denise Stephenson
Rev Graeme Goninon
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12. Tasmanian Baptist Pastors’ Association
Accredited, Recognised and Retired Pastoral Leaders shall maintain an association to provide:
~ f e l l o w s h i p ;
~ support for Pastoral Leaders and their families;
and ~ training.
The Association shall be open to all Accredited, Recognised and Retired Pastoral Leaders and shall appoint its own committee.
The Association shall keep accurate financial records in full compliance with the requirements of
Council.
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Application Form
Purpose of this application: Please tick
one box
To be an Accredited Pastoral Leader (APL), having already been Ordained
To be Ordained by the Union and become an Accredited Pastoral Leader (APL)
To be a Recognised Pastoral Leader (RPL)
To be a Pastor in Training (PIT)
This form is available in Word format on the Union’s website http://tasbaptists.org.au/Pastoral-Committee.html
Please complete this application form in full, attach the applicable supporting information, and mail your
application to:
The Pastoral Committee
Baptist Union of Tasmania
PO Box 275
Kings Meadows, TAS 7249
Or Email a PDF copy to [email protected]
NOTE: Process for accreditation:
- address any questions to the Regional Minister responsible for Pastoral Committee
- send completed application form to same person
- application considered by Pastoral Committee – including face-to-face interview
- recommendation forwarded to Council through MLT for decision
- decision advised in writing
Title (Rev./Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)
Surname
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Given (Christian) Names
Address _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________ Postcode
Date of Birth ___________________ Place of Birth _____________
Telephone: ____________________ FAX: ____________________
Mobile _______________________ Email ___________________
Baptised? _____________________ When / where? ____________
Member of a Church? ___________ Name of Church ___________
Marital Status __________________ Spouse’s Name ___________
What is the attitude of your spouse to your pastoral calling?
Christian Conversion: Please give details of your initial conversion and any subsequent recommitments.
Pastoral Call: Explain why you believe God is calling you to pastoral ministry in the Baptist Church including the initial perception of the call and any significant events since.
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Christian Work: Give an account of Christian work (including preaching) in which you have been engaged. Please give details of churches recently involved in.
Pastoral Leadership Experience: Please indicate your pastoral leadership experience by ticking the appropriate boxes
~ Marriage Ceremony ~ Funeral Service
~ Infant Dedication Service ~ Youth Work
~ Previous Church Pastorate(s) ~ Pastoral Visitation
~ Experience in Leadership Meetings
Theological Training: Please indicate any courses you have undertaken, and qualifications obtained
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Recreation: List your recreational interests and hobbies
References: List 3 members of Baptist Churches who have known you in recent years and
are willing to act as a referee (preferably those in leadership positions and who have heard you preach.).
Supporting Information (Please attach the following information and
check the box to confirm that it has been supplied)
APL RPL PIT
A letter of support/endorsement from your current church leadership
A national “good character” police check
A current photograph of yourself
A medical certificate giving your current state of health
A copy of a recent sermon – on paper or CD
Two essays of approximately 2,000 words:
1. Your understanding of the Baptist View of Ministry
2. Another essay on a topic of your choice
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Name Address Ph. No.
If applying to become a Pastor in training, I agree to undertake such psychological testing or vocational guidance as may be required by the Pastoral Committee and that a copy of any reports shall be kept on file by the Baptist Union of Tasmania.
I also agree to make available to the Pastoral Committee all supervised field study reports and similar reports presented in the course of my studies.
Signature
Undertakings by the Applicant
I agree to be available for interview by the Pastoral Committee with respect to this application. I
have read the Constitution of the Baptist Union of Tasmania, the Union’s Healthy
Church/Pastor Relationships Manual, and the Union’s Pastors Manual. I
affirm the Doctrinal Basis of the Baptist Union of Tasmania. If
accredited, I agree to:
1. Comply with the Union’s Constitution and ByLaws.
2. Sign and comply with the Union’s Code of ethics and ministry practice.
3. Comply with the Union’s Guidelines for Healthy Church/Pastor Relationships.
4. Comply with the Union’s Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Misconduct.
5. Undertake Professional Development as detailed in the Union’s Professional Development Plan Guidelines and comply with those Guidelines.
6. Have regular ministry supervision, spiritual direction, or mentoring.
Signature
Full Name
Date
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